Why I Stopped Spending Money ~ Extreme Minimalism

[@ConnieRiet]

I apologize for the yellow lighting😂 No, I'm not sick.

[@slovenika9108]

The yellow lighting suits you beautifully, I wish for that skincolor! Your journey is deeply spiritual, people are paying a lot of money to get there..😅

[@gabrielas3602]

❤

[@stable-shadow]

No worries you would be Hot if you had purple skin..... 🕊️

[@bernadette6211]

I think your colour looks great 😊

[@angie5life-is-good]

Thank you for the reminders and the yummy recipe 😊

[@bjlyon615]

I’ve never been rich but never felt poor. I did the best I could with what I had. In my late 20’s, I lost everything I owned to a cult. The day I escaped, I walked down the street owning just the clothes I was wearing, not even a nickel in my pocket but I never felt as free as I did that day. The older I get (I’m 75 now) the less I want. Simplicity is comforting.

[@JennyReginaEklöv]

So brave that you left, cults are a strange phenomena💕💕💕

[@angeliaspinkluggage]

My mother always taught me that nothing good comes from extremes. Balance is the key to health in body, soul and spirit.

[@kevinjoseph517]

that is a rather extreme attitude.

[@Gyp527]

Thank you! My beautiful Swiss wife and I live on and travel the world in a 36 yr old little sailboat. That's it. No house, car payments, or utility bills. We have a mobile phone bill, that and a bit of diesel fuel, groceries, but the rest goes towards entertainment and travel. 7 countries in the last year. Technically we're under the federal poverty level, living on a $20k annual pension - yet we live better and save more, than 90% of our peers.❤

[@ThePinkPantha21]

This is admirable ❤

[@coreenaburke5378]

Everyone's dream.

[@robinkershaw]

I like your comment ' you can never get enough of what you don't need'

[@lindarice5783]

"You can never have enough of what you do not need". Thank you! That just about sums up every addiction.

[@GiannaFiore]

Thank you Connie. In my 20's- 30's I was proud to say I had 200+ pairs of shoes, tons of clothes etc. You are so right, it didn't make me happy or make men fall all over me or make my girlfriends envious. I'm 60 I have 5 pairs of shoes 😂 I couldn't be happier because it's all an inside job. The joy comes from my heart. Love to you Connie

[@sixtyoneeight]

Men only care about a woman's face and body. They don't care what she wears unless it's baggy sweats all the time.

[@Iuckylukey]

And we will go to our graves with one pair of shoes. Hopefully with socks at its damp down there.

[@Stevenwalks]

I had never more than 5 pairs of shoes. Seems minimalisme is only happening to the rich as they have too much stuff. Call it a luxury problem if you ask me. They “thought” they could buy happiness.’.

[@ludaku7730]

Yeah, when in in your60+ you don't need all that stuff. But in your 20, 30 yes it's fun to wear nice clothes and look sexy.

[@GiannaFiore]

@ludaku7730 yea at the same time I feel more attractive now then when I was in my 20's and 30s. I wasn't as confident as I am now. I feel Confidence is sexier than high heels.

[@magdalenaskardova5801]

First time watching your channel, it feels very peaceful. I moved to New Zealand from Czech Republic last year, unfortunately due to visa situation it was only for one year. When I was there I felt like I didn't need anything at all, I was surrounded by beautiful nature and it felt enough and I was so content with myself. I could just go for walks over and over and felt at peace, just looking at the ocean and observing the trees and gorgeous landscape was enough for me. I spent a lot of time on my own but I didn't feel lonely, it's hard to explain. I wish I could go back.

[@JanaMarieEden]

Hi, Magdalena ♥ Can you feel the same here, in CR?

[@glamourgirl1962]

My mom was a natural minimalist. Loved to window shop. Purchased little. Home always uncluttered. Often said spending time with family was the most important thing to her.

[@Adreannarenee1371]

❤❤❤

[@Laphroaig16]

Just stumbled across your vid and couldn't agree with you more. After my divorce many years ago I have been a minimalist and love it. The value of simplicity

[@Laura-g1c1l]

It's refreshing to come across someone on youtube who is not an influencer....the absolute opposite of minimalism. Lovely video, profound words of wisdom throughout. Wishing you well.

[@UnusSedLeo-w5l]

Your extreme minimalism looks like maximum happyness, Connie.

[@MadisonBriggsArtchick]

I appreciate your sincere and honest story. I am currently meeting with a bankruptcy lawyer and it isn’t what I wanted. I haven’t been late or missed payments; I am caring for my elderly father and my bills are more than I make. I am glad you have your husband to share your journey with. It is more challenging as a now single person.

[@teriliebmann3491]

🙏

[@donnarakitzis2719]

Contentment is priceless

[@coreenaburke5378]

0 debt at a relatively young age but still have a place to call home, is what I consider successful. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, something you can start with.

[@coreenaburke5378]

Peace is priceless.

[@paulncvic]

A wise friend once said don’t let your possessions possess you. So true. Maintaining things is exhausting and today things have an illusion of quantity and durability.

[@FB-bo3sj]

Thts crazy how this is called extreme minimalism! Even though its supposed to be normal 😊❤

[@LanaAnic-p7l]

yup, I wouldn't even call her minimalist, let alone extreme

[@Margriet811]

I find this to be so true! I am now in Valencia visiting friends who moved here, finally living their dream of 20 years! They were able to do this because they live frugally and saved up loads of money to make the move. So inspiring and impressive ❤

[@Bonitalife16]

The view from the balcony is beautiful

[@kristinj7173]

We were not affected by the recent hurricanes, floods or tornadoes, thankfully, but as a witness, I see what is needed or helpful for preparedness but also what is truly most important. ❤

[@lynetteg2357]

I was already on this journey when the two recent hurricanes and flooding here in FL confirmed my thoughts and the journey I want to take. Thank you for sharing this video! Those pumpkin muffins look so delicious and healthy! Would you mind sharing the recipe? 🙏

[@thewitchskitchen]

your house looks more luxurious than anywhere I've ever lived!

[@marianclaassen8127]

It’s an Airbnb

[@TCIndo]

I became a minimalist simply by moving houses. I am in my 50s and had moved 30 times, of which crossing 6 borders. I started my house-moving lifestyle since I was 7. I used to have dreams about living in big houses, driving fancy cars and collecting expensive watches (did own more than 20 of them), but thanks to my life path of constant changes (we all faced changes in our lives but mine was a tad too frequent), I eventually became an involuntary minimalist which I really appreciate it a while ago, especially my last 2 moves over 2 countries two years ago which I got rid of 95% of my belongings that I accumulated over 20 years. It was overall great life experiences that money can't buy and turning me into much happier person for having less things in my life :) Thanks for sharing your story and wish you all the best.

[@Iuckylukey]

Tell us about your watches. I am also a watch geek.

[@TCIndo]

@@Iuckylukey haha I thought we’re talking about minimalist here. I used to own watches eg. Omega, Panerai, Rolex, Longines, Tissot, Casio, Hamilton, Tag Heuer, etc. I sort of got enlightened one day and slowly let them go by selling and donating. As I was still a watch wearer, I got myself a $25 semi-smartwatch in the interim and used it for a while before becoming watch-free, and now purely relying on my phone for timekeeping. I could never imagine this 20 years ago but am glad I did.

[@kevinw6237]

well said! we spend money we don't have to buy stuff we don't need to impress people we don't really know or care

[@beategeibel66]

Reminds me of a quote from Fight Club

[@leilaramos5746]

Your Voice makes me calm! Thank's to share your journey😊

[@ConnieRiet]

My pleasure.

[@gailtester8749]

Thanks Connie, clothes seem to be the last area where I can still problem shop. Although, now that I put things in my online cart and then come back 48 hours later before I purchase , I find I most often don’t buy it. I then put it in save for later. When I go back and look at the Save for later list and all the money I would have spent it’s astonishing!! Plus my desire for those items is completely gone! I love this channel, it’s so uplifting and encouraging for the life I aspire to! Contentment is the nicest word!

[@coreenaburke5378]

I do that also!

[@CesiraKelleher-im5nu]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I am 56 and less and less fulfilled by “stuff” . We’ve downsized to 800 sq from the quintessential huge American house. I even feel like I would do fine in 600. It’s freeing to have less bills and less to care for. We prefer to travel with our kids weekend trips etc. love your channel ❤

[@Vorbescdincarti]

Congratulations on the change you are making in your life! As a resident of Eastern Europe, I smile when I see that an american considers living in an 800 sq m house to be frugal. And that they could do well in 600 sq m. I have a 52 sq m apartment and I live very well in it, it is functional, I have a bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, a pantry where I store the washing machine, vacuum cleaner, thick clothes for the winter, etc. Yes, you can live with less and feel good, because good does not come from what you have but from what you do and how you feel. I, in turn, think about what I can reduce from my material goods and for now I see that what others call frugality I could call luxury. :)) The important thing is to feel good about who we are and to look for value in ourselves and our relationships and not in what we possess. I wish you all a beautiful life!

[@j.t1682]

When I was a college student , I promised myself that I would never spend more than 30K dollars for a car, 300K dollars for a house, 300 dollars for a suit. That was 40 years ago. I broke my own promise and suffered the consequences. Today, I live a very frugal life well below my means and I am very happy.

[@BetsyFlannery]

Sometimes I think having so little growing up I went off the rails as an adult. I just had to have this today, that tomorrow and more the next day. I'm older now and try not to keep reminding myself of the wasted money and stuff. I loved from a large house to a small bungalow and in the process just keep getting rid of more and more. I seem to get such a good feeling whenever I get rid of something. I wish I had realized this when I was younger. Shopping is the last thing I want to do.

[@OriginalBernieBro]

Traveling is what’s on my agenda

[@мирмиров-р7з]

it's easy to say i'm minimalist when you have everything😁

[@adacrespin3005]

Exactly!!!

[@pearlmode]

Omg yes!

[@user-by1xd4bd7y]

Agreed

[@MiriShagal]

Yes, аnd she changes expensive clothes every minute in the video... it is so minimalistic) ha-ha-ha

[@peterwulff469]

- did she say that you are a minimalist?

[@LisaGray1000]

I love your top at the start. I love that you have a minimal wardrobe but the clothes still have personality aren't too boring. Inspires me.

[@user-nq9gz4xf7f]

She looks very sensual 😊

[@TheMennomilist]

I love love love that you were raised in a family that was frugal! That helped establish a foundation for you that many of us did not have in our youth. I have known of two people who lived out of a suitcase and it is amazing that you are able to do that. Once my kids are all grown, I would love to be able to say that as well. I value travel and do not own a house now, as we rent a two family house apartment, but we definitely are frugal and big minimalists that people really don't know how our family of five lives in a small two bedroom small place without being cramped or having any issues. You are inspiring and I thank you for sharing your story with us.

[@robertashaffer3950]

Thank you Connie You always bring me back to reality and what is important ❤️🙏

[@Elmyonn]

Thank you for this video Connie, I have recently started my journey and hearing you say stuff is not whats important in life has really reaffirmed my new vision to make memories and focus more on relationships

[@rizaarrogante4226]

This video hits me hard in a positive way, looking forward to live contented and truly happy.

[@sallydeslandes7990]

Thank you Connie. Wise words that speak to my soul, my spirit, and my conscience.

[@videohistorysnippets8963]

My sister has parcels delivered constantly whether it be clothes or just things, it just keeps coming and I would say she’s not very happy in life, she has a quick buzz when stuff turns up and that’s it, lots of time, energy, money spent trying to find happiness, this path for her hasn’t worked yet. Thanks for your story Connie, hey don’t be eating all those muffins!

[@Iuckylukey]

Is she overweight?

[@belle108jc]

Thank you for this. Truth is our self-worth is not in material possession but in out experiences, priceless moments in relationships, and enjoyable adventures.

[@VEB-g2c]

I’ve watched a lot of these and you are the 2nd only (funnily enough both this morning) to suggest ideas for self improvement rather than just to tidy the house etc. Really great. Thank you. From UK fan

[@thepfam]

Experiences and memories mean the most!!!❤

[@mariaschoenfeld]

you have such an authentic calm aura and clear thoughts. I started living the same way couple of years ago myself and it is truly empowering not having to own too much and too big. Thank you for sharing your views.

[@marywall5262]

This is the best and most relatable video I have come across in a long while. The financial wake up as well as what I do for work now, ( with the homeless), has been a real eye opener as to how very little I need. My home is small but cared for. Used car that is cared for. I don’t have a lot of furniture, and using what I already have to decorate is actually fun. Thank you again for this video!

[@ConnieRiet]

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us!

[@marywall5262]

@@ConnieRiet Thank you as well Connie! 🥰

[@azmom0014]

I agree with another minimalist wardrobe video.

[@compassstar_cora.pettipas]

This was a lovely post. Thank you for sharing.

[@youssefhamidi8152]

I agree wholeheartedly with everything you said in this video. I have reached a point where I understand now fully that stuff will never bring you happiness. I am grateful for this lesson.

[@margarettownsley9500]

Thank you Connie for sharing your video we truly don’t need a lot of material items the less we have the lighter the burden it’s nothing but a material Mess that we can live without

[@winros]

That's beautiful! I strive every day to get rid of things!

[@shristylama7627]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful perspectives on life. As a 34 year old woman, your take on life has a deep impact in navigating my life. I have huge admiration for you for choosing to share your experiences and learnings with others. Thanks for inspiring me and many of us. ❤❤

[@peggymurphy6747]

Connie, thanks for your honesty. Yes, contentment is a wonderful feeling. I can identify with a lot of what you said. As I have matured I have become more minimalist and shop much less. So much of the shopping was to avoid uncomfortable feelings. 12 step programs have helped me tremendously to grow spiritually and emotionally. I appreciate you sharing this message.

[@lisavizzini9609]

I just came across your video by accident. I love your thoughts and the way you live. I also have been a minimalist since in my teens and now at the age of 63 I would also consider myself very close to an extreme minimalist. Thank you for your video and Rock On!

[@Laura17646]

This is great to watch after 2 days of lots of "Amazon Prime Day" you're missing out if you dont buy ...." Thank you for making this video!

[@kristinj7173]

We canceled our Prime membership about 18 months ago, so now we order only things we cannot find locally, things we actually need, and only once every 3-4 months. The influencer’s videos were ignored (happily) this time around!

[@traceyjane4288]

i hate having lots of stuff to take care of x

[@SculptExpress-gv8jp]

I agree. But, I love having art and handmade furniture around me, books to (my best friends and kindle doesn’t do it) .. nice lamps too (can’t stand frog 🐸 white light)… yeah, I could do with much less, but I can’t do without the beauty of color and art. Sometimes minimalism is another word for an extremely boring individual and that gives me chills (just as with those whose houses have enormous wardrobes with many bags and other boring stuff).

[@Anne-ly1fv]

Me too

[@MELINDASSIMPLEBLESSINGS]

For me personally I think it makes my mental health worse

[@Tryp-j9d]

Give ME your car.

[@davidcoppotelli3957]

TRUE WORDS SPOKEN HERE.

[@gloriayouchisonbrown7734]

I love the idea that less is more, you seemed to come full circle.❤❤

[@9FatraBbits]

I love this telling of where you came from. The truth is blunt. Amazing journeys are possible.🙏🐇

[@GirGirGirGir160]

as a minimal-ish person trying to get over a shopping addiction (i will now spend very little but i'm trying to not spend at all unless its bills or food) i wholeheartedly agree with everything you said! also, you are stunning!

[@daryljohnson9010]

Thank you for this story. It’s very timely for me and I appreciate it.

[@ConnieRiet]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LinaSemina]

Everything is temporary. But not our souls🙏 So the most important thing is taking care of our happiness, collecting impressions, not possessions!

[@MEPProjectExplained]

This video really resonated with me! It’s so true that happiness comes from within and isn’t tied to the things we own. New experiences bring so much more meaning than any stuff ever could. Thanks for this reminder to focus on memories and experiences!

[@jennyfulcher8035]

Thank you Connie for instilling in us that what's important is our health, loved ones, and freedom to explore without the burden of material possessions weighing us down.

[@antoniaburns3522]

Lovely. Very inspiring. Thank you.

[@traceyjane4288]

i have stopped buying home decor altogether

[@mrsf870]

Stunning video with a wonderful message. X

[@sabrinajoyce4253]

Very well said! Congratulations on your superior mindfulness!

[@ArtByHazel]

Thank you for sharing your story Connie. I’m working on it and hopefully get to a place of living with less. Which. Is. More. Having to move to another country helped me to cut down on unnecessary spending and save money for what’s truly important. 😊 Leaving Canada 🇨🇦 this year after so many years of calling it my home wasn’t easy. Yet. I’m learning to be comfortable with the discomfort. Because. It shifted my perspective about life in general. Unlearning the old patterns of consumerism, old beliefs that’s no longer true for me these days takes a lot of patience, practice, and consistent practice. It’s possible. 😊

[@sarahpettengill6560]

This is beautiful. Thank you for leading by example. I’m really happy for You and your husband to be living a life you love!! I want to do this as well

[@thorburn3]

your ideas is priceless Connie thanks

[@KourttneyL]

I needed this. Growing up poor, with no money made me go crazy when I got an actual!job. Now I’m on my way to fixing my money habits and paying off debt so I can have a simple slow life like this. I hate working to pay this off, but I need to! I can’t wait to be like this again. ❤

[@mariaborden7]

Thank you for sharing. I love the idea of using money for experiences and prioritizing what truly matters. Embracing this perspective has inspired a meaningful change in my perception of money. It encourages me to break free from mindless shopping due to stress, boredom, or impulse. Now, I find joy in purchasing only what I genuinely need. I keep a list of my wants, using it for thoughtful gift suggestions or special treats for myself.

[@kanjiwoman5324]

Lives in a rented house with a rent of 20,000 yen I'm a calligrapher and KZbinr. In winter, 2 Uniqlo fleeces, 2 sweaters, 2 warm bottoms 2 coats, 4 underwear I'll spend it there. In Japan, a tsunami is coming, so we need to live as light and minimally as possible in order to quickly escape.

[@doyourbesteveryday6535]

Oh wow. That's interesting.

[@M_SC]

That’s around $200!

[@Vorbescdincarti]

Everyone could learn about true frugality from the Japanese. As I said in another comment, what Americans consider frugality is luxury to others.

[@manuela111ab]

Dear Conny, once again warm greetings from germany. I always look forward to your beautiful, inspiring videos. I wish you lots of luck, all the love and peace. 🥰❤

[@goddessmel8518]

Thanks for sharing your story Connie. I've spent periods of my life with very little and even though I'm no longer living payday to payday, the effects of COVID on my husband's business - and therefore our financial stability - gives me concern for our future. The impact of consuming less so I can save for our future is what continues to drive my minimalism journey.

[@ConnieRiet]

You are so welcome. I'm sorry to hear about your husbands business. I also began my minimalist journey because of financial hardship. Sending you thoughts of abundance and happiness.

[@WealthyChronicle]

😱 I always thought more stuff = more happiness, but now I see how freeing it is to let go of the excess.

[@aurorasage7305]

Such a lovely and important vlog xoxo... The landscape where you are is divine..

[@Mar1345r]

Beautiful Lady. A simple life is best.

[@RacquelTBrooks]

I love this ,.. really appreciate watching this

[@Anita-silver]

So the home and every single item we see are not yours? Genuinely curious.

[@togetherrrr]

I am not a hoarder and absolutely not a shopper-until-dropper. What I do enjoy though, to find a thrifted treasure.

[@brigettejones6672]

Thank you Connie !❤

[@jamesbyrne9312]

Your backyard is heaven

[@Karan_ff_123_]

There’s a book called The Cosmic Wealth Frequencies on Borlest that reveals secret techniques to attract anything in life. It’s the real deal.

[@lisareed5669]

Dumb

[@preilly96]

Beautiful message and lifestyle thank you

[@johngoncalves]

A humbling eye opening story which took courage to share. Thank you

[@stefaniasigurdard]

What a beautiful existence ❤️ thank you for sharing

[@nan-dan-kanghan]

Thank you for sharing beautiful story ❤

[@marladillard8721]

My grandpa said you can have everything you want as long as you know what to want 😊 congratulations on coming to your knowing

[@olgayakovleva5815]

Ваш образ жизни и взгляд на неё очень вдохновляет ❤

[@TheGordonFamily11]

Your voice is so relaxing. ❤ Thank you for sharing

[@goodmorningluly]

I have always lived this way, with just a few things that I find essential. My apartment follows a minimalist style and serves us very well, especially because every morning I receive the blessing of seeing the sun rise inside my home. In my wardrobe, I have clothes from 20 years ago or even longer, as I take good care of them and still weigh the same. In short, living only with what truly matters makes me happy!

[@ElisabethFassbender]

So true and beautiful. Thank you ! 💖

[@ReejaTharu]

Hello Connie ! I live in India and your videos caught my attention recently. I find minimalism , or , even attempting to be a minimalist, liberating ! I enjoy the process of learning to live without things that i thought i couldn't do without. Thanks for inspiring.

[@ConnieRiet]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@laurah6381]

Connie, was your husband resistant in your journey to minimalism? My husband is a pack rat and never purges anything. He has no desire to do so. I love your quiet beautiful soul ❤

[@ConnieRiet]

Great question! Because we both fell into minimalism together, we also saw the beauty in it. We are on the same page regarding our minimalist lifestyle.

[@andypower6938]

Amazing, good for you, go girl

[@Samalkab]

I am now starting a journey to become more conscious with my spending .. the biggest challenge is helping stray cats it take a lot of my budget but I still want to do the right thing 🫶 I will keep being minimalist and who smart ❤

[@MeowMeow-j9w]

I too care for strays and it's an honor and luxury I'm willing to keep spending on. They need us :-)

[@shiny7301]

👏🏻💯❤Minimalism is the best and also a protest to the materialism caused by social pressure.

[@marygleason484]

Thank you for your podcast! I can soooo relate

[@cgkwinnie]

I look at your home and realize it's quite expensive. Beautiful windows, floors, kitchen, appliances. Comfy furniture. I don't see how that translates into minimalism. Nothing wrong with that, but a difference in interpretation between us.

[@dngriffiths8105]

She explained that she is traveling the world with her husband, with a single suitcase, and that they therefore move from house to house, never knowing what they're going to get. So, one concludes that the house she's in is not actually her house. Not pre-judging people, and instead listening closely to them, makes all the difference.

[@RivaDog1100]

For travelling the world you need money. She doesn’t get those houses for free. Living that sort of life for sure is not simple.

[@kathleensmith644]

Personally I find this kind of video is all about this woman showing off how much she has whilst trying to say she doesn’t have much.

[@RivaDog1100]

@@dngriffiths8105 one suitcase and a ton of money

[@abfab2517]

🤡​@@kathleensmith644🤡

[@lorieann4748]

Great video, thank you for the recipe and the decluttering guide.

[@LeeW_COBRA_NN]

Listening to you is mindful and appreciative.

[@pattyterry6432]

Excellent!! Thank you!

[@AleksandraSana]

Thanks ! Yes! In perfect moment i finds your video..greetings from Europa.

[@lindaness7002]

Beautiful...just starting my journey toward minimalism..it is indeed a challenging transition.

[@lindaness7002]

But, what I realize, I do not have the urge or need to constantly check my balances of "where" I stand for the month.